The Only Exception

10.

Hey guys! Sorry for updating a bit late. Thanks for all the comments about my sickness. I'm feeling a bit better today so I'll write up a chapter for you. I'll try to make this one long. Enjoy!

The group sat down and ate together in the Pokémon center as they celebrated Ash's victory. They all talked about how he did well in his battle. "Hey, thanks everyone!" He smiled as he looked over at Dawn, "now it's my turn to cheer you on at your showcase."

Serena furrowed her eyebrows and looked over at him, "how about me? Won't you cheer for me too?" Ash looked over at Serena and smiled nervously, "o-of course! I forgot you were also competing in Showcases too, Serena."

Serena looked away from him and looked down at her food sadly. How come Dawn was the first thing to come to his mind? Was Serena still not good enough?

"Well, I think I've had enough food for tonight so I'm gonna head to the room." Ash said. "How about you guys?"

"Dawn and I are going to take a walk around the city!" Bonnie smiled.

"And I'm going to finish up my new invention outside." Clemont said.

Ash then looked over at Serena, "how about you, Serena?"

"Oh uh.. I might just head back to the room with you as well!" She smiled as she got up from her seat and took Ash's arm. "See you all later!" She smiled as she turned both her and Ash around and started walking towards the room.

Dawn sighed as she felt a pat on the back from Bonnie. She smiled at her as they both got up and left the Pokémon center to tour the city.

Ash and Serena both made it into the room as Ash unhooked his arm from hers and went over to his bag. He took out his pajama shorts and tank top then went into the bathroom to change. Serena decided that she'd also change as well. She took out her pajamas and changed into them quickly before Ash could see her. After awhile, Ash came out the bathroom and put his clothes away.

"Hey, Ash?" Serena called.

"Yeah?" He answered.

"Can we talk for a bit?" She asked.

"Sure." Ash said.

Serena smiled as she opened the door to the balcony and went outside with Ash following behind her. She then closed the door and sat on one of the lounge chairs with Ash sitting beside her.

She looked over at him, "so, how do you feel so far? About us?"

Ash looked at her for awhile then turned away, "well, to be honest with you.. I feel as though nothing's really changed. I mean.. I do feel something towards you, I just.. can't really explain it."

"What do you feel towards me?" She asked.

"Well.. let's just say it's kind of in between. I care about you as a close friend but also as a girlfriend." He said.

So.. he was still thinking of her as a close friend.

She didn't know what to say. How could she make him see her as a girlfriend? Not a close friend, not a traveling companion, but as his own girlfriend. She looked up at him.

"Hey, Ash."

He looked over at her as she leaned in and placed her lips on his. Her eyes were closed while his were still open, not knowing what to do right now. After awhile, she pulled away and smiled at him.

"I really do like you.. and hopefully, you'll fully see me as your girlfriend soon."

He didn't say anything. He knew he wasn't qualified to be a boyfriend yet. He can't even make a first move. "Serena.. I don't think I'm good enough for this. It won't work out like this." He said.